Victoria police officer earns kudos from province for school liaison work

A Victoria police officer with a high community profile is among a group of individuals recognized by the province’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General last week.

Const. Chris Gilbert, who has worked as a school resource officer with city schools since 2013, was honoured as winner of this year’s Youth Leadership Award for his “exceptional commitment to working with youth.”

Gilbert, whose style is non-judgmental and supportive, with a little humour thrown in for good measure, was in 2016 part of a team that developed school presentations on fentanyl. On his regular visits to schools in the city, he continues to be a resource to raise awareness of and offer information about the dangers of the drug.

He has also actively participated in Youth for Change and Inclusion, the Chief’s Youth Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youth Wilderness Camp and many youth fundraisers.

Gilbert was one of two police officers to receive a Community Safety and Crime Prevention Award from Minister Mike Farnworth, and the only Vancouver Island honouree for 2017. The awards annual acknowledge individuals and groups that are creating “legacies of community safety, healing and prevention of victimization in British Columbia.”